New $156 million deal to advance UK aircrew training
The effort will support the preparation of RN observers and RAF weapon system officers to operate on board the Wildcat, Merlin, P-8 Poseidon and RC-135 Rivet Joint. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The initiative under the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) will equip Royal Navy observers and Royal Air Force weapon system officers with the skills to operate advanced aircraft.
The UK MoD has awarded Ascent Flight Training a three-year £125 million ($156 million) contract to support the next generation of aircrew training for RN and RAF personnel
The contract falls under the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) effort which Ascent has been managing since 2008.
The funding will support preparation of RN observers and RAF weapon system officers to operate on board the AW159 Wildcat and Merlin HM Mk2 helicopters, as well as the P-8 Poseidon and RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft.
Mission Aircrew training will be replaced in 2026 by the future intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK RAF’s Protector programme hits new milestones, more aircraft expected this year]()
UK RAF’s Protector programme hits new milestones, more aircraft expected this year
Further tests will be carried out on the existing fleet, ahead of the Royal Air Force’s anticipated transition from MQ-9A Reaper aircraft to the MQ-9B Protector by the end of 2025.
-
![US approves $1.45 billion sale to UAE for CH-47 Chinooks and F-16 sustainment]()
US approves $1.45 billion sale to UAE for CH-47 Chinooks and F-16 sustainment
Both the possible sale for six Chinook helicopters and F-16 sustainment will bolster existing UAE fleets and the country’s position as a US partner and ally, according to the DSCA.
-
![US Army cancels FTUAS and the MQ-1 Gray Eagle as part of the Army Transformation Initiative]()
US Army cancels FTUAS and the MQ-1 Gray Eagle as part of the Army Transformation Initiative
Last week, it was revealed that the US Army intended to cancel the long-running Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS). The revelation, no doubt part of the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI), came a week after the force highlighted that it would cancel the procurement of Gray Eagle aircraft.
-
![UK receives two additional F-35B aircraft as deliveries resume]()
UK receives two additional F-35B aircraft as deliveries resume
The two aircraft were delivered in the TR-3 configuration, bringing the RAF one step closer to fulfilling its order for 48 F-35B aircraft.
